Objectives environmental protection act

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Topics for UPSC Mains

Key sections and provisions of the Act, Detailed roles and responsibilities of CPCB and SPCBs, Challenges in the implementation and enforcement of the Act, Recommendations for policy measures to strengthen environmental governance, Landmark judgments related to the Act, How the Environment Protection Act addresses or can address climate change challenges.

The Environment Protection Act 1986 aims to safeguard and enhance the environment. This legislation grants authority to the Central Government to institute bodies tasked with preventing environmental pollution in various forms and addressing region-specific environmental challenges. The Act underwent its last amendment in 1991. The Environment Protection Act 1986, a legislation of the Indian Parliament, was promulgated in May 1986 and took effect on 19 November 1986. Comprising 26 sections across 4 chapters, this Act is often viewed as a reaction to the Bhopal gas leak incident. It was enacted by the Government of India under Article 253 of the Constitution. It authorizes the union government to legislate for the implementation of international agreements.

The Environment Protection Act 1986 UPSC is one of the important topics for the UPSC IAS Exam. It also covers a significant part of the Environment subject in the General Studies paper-3 syllabus.

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What is Environment Protection Act 1986?

The Environment Protection Act of 1986 is a crucial piece of legislation enacted by the Government of India. It aims to protect and improve the environment. This Act provides a comprehensive framework to regulate human activities that may have adverse impacts on the environment. It was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to integrate various fragmented chemical and hazardous waste regulations under a unified, more powerful law.

Background of the Act

The Environment Protection Act 1986 has its roots in the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. It prompted countries around the world to adopt measures for environmental protection. Following the Stockholm Declaration, India took several steps to address environmental issues. This ultimately culminated in the enactment of this Act in 1986. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 further emphasized the need for stringent environmental regulations. This led to the hurried establishment of this comprehensive law.

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